Bessemer City High School's state ranking declined from #1129 in 2014 to #1246 in 2023, placing it in the bottom 50% of Alabama public high schools.
Math proficiency remained low at 5% in 2023, significantly lower than the state average of 30%, while reading (6–9%) and science proficiency (6–9%) rates were also lower than the state averages.
Enrollment decreased from around 1,200 students in 2011 to 805 in 2023, with minority enrollment consistently high at 99% and 61% of students eligible for free lunch in recent years.
The school served grades 9–12 with an enrollment of 805 students and a student–teacher ratio of 24:1 in 2023.
Graduation rates stayed below the state average, reaching 71% in 2023 compared to the Alabama average of 88%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 760 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Graduation Rate: 71% (Btm 50% in AL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Bessemer City High School's student population of 760 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 35 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
760 students
Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers
Year Founded
1970
Colors
White, Purple
School Calendar
School Rankings
Bessemer City High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,275 schools in Alabama (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Bessemer City High School is 0.36, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.64. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1246 out of 1275 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
22%
12%
Black
77%
31%
White
1%
50%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
71%
88%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
80%
53%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
4%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bessemer City High School's ranking?
Bessemer City High School is ranked #1246 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are Bessemer City High School often compared to?
Bessemer City High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Fairfield High Preparatory School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 6-9% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Bessemer City High School?
The graduation rate of Bessemer City High School is 71%, which is lower than the Alabama state average of 88%.
How many students attend Bessemer City High School?
760 students attend Bessemer City High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
77% of Bessemer City High School students are Black, 22% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Bessemer City High School?
Bessemer City High School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Bessemer City High School offer ?
Bessemer City High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Bessemer City High School part of?
Bessemer City High School is part of Bessemer City School District.
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